Administrative problems and departmental bickering apart, the Ludhiana police commissionerate is faced with a grave problem - at least 14 of its personnel are HIV-positive.
This came to light in the annual medical check-up organised by the department last month, in which 2,950 of the 3,298 personnel posted with the commissionerate were examined.
There was no clarity on the future course of action regarding the cops suffering from HIV, an infection that leads to the incurable AIDS, as police commissoner Ishwar Singh merely said that he could not disclose the identities. "I will not say anything more on the subject," Ishwar told HT, adding, "But we have initiated yoga and meditation camps for the staff, so that they remain healthy in general."
Apart from HIV, nearly 1,350 cops are suffering from hypertension, while 259 of the 2,950 cops examined are suffering with diabetes, while 125 are affected by hyperlipidemia, which means they have excess fat or cholesterol (also called lipid). There are 22 cops with hepatitis B, and 43 with hepatitis C, besides eight with bullet or accidental injuries.
Only 991 of the cops examined have no health problem and 348 did not or could not take part in the examination. The commissionerate has 4,068 sanctioned posts, of which 3,298 are filled.
{{/usCountry}}Only 991 of the cops examined have no health problem and 348 did not or could not take part in the examination. The commissionerate has 4,068 sanctioned posts, of which 3,298 are filled.
{{/usCountry}}'Overworked'
Many cops told HT that they had to work 13-15 hours a day. Requesting anonymity for the fear of punishment, many said they had not got proper weekly offs for the past four years. "How can the top brass think that we can sustain our mental and physical health by doing some yoga and meditation," said an officer.